DHS wants you to double check your ID before you head to the airport. The Department of Homeland Security is reminding travelers that they will start enforcing REAL ID requirements in a little less than a year.
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant driverās license, state-issued enhanced driverās license, orĀ other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the United States.Ā
In January of 2017 only 26 states were REAL ID compliant; but as of now, 47 of 50 states are. With just under a year left, only 27% of Americans have been issued a REAL ID.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act implements the 9/11 Commissionās recommendation that the federal government āset standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driverās licenses.ā
The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driverās licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints.Ā
āThis is an important step in enhancing commercial aviation security and we urge travelers to ensure they have compliant documents,ā said Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan in a statement. āDHS is committed to working with states as they continue their efforts to issue REAL IDs to Americans.ā
REAL IDs are available through your local state driverās license agency.